The Ultimate Fighting Championship continues to build its fight cards, and the upcoming event in Paris is shaping up with intriguing matchups. Among the recently announced bouts, a light heavyweight contest featuring veteran **Paul Craig** against **Modestas Bukauskas** carries particularly high stakes, especially for the Scottish contingent.
Set to take place on September 6th at the Accor Arena, this fight arrives at a critical juncture for **Paul Craig**. Known throughout his career for improbable come-from-behind victories and a dangerous ground game that has snagged the limbs of many, Craig is currently navigating a challenging period. His record since 2022 reflects significant struggles, showing only one win in seven appearances. More pressingly, he enters this bout winless in his last four trips to the octagon.
Craig`s most recent outing in June against Rodolfo Bellato ended under controversial circumstances, ruled a no-contest after Craig landed an illegal upkick. While the incident itself and the subsequent reaction drew commentary, the outcome did little to reverse Craig`s recent trajectory, leaving him still searching for that elusive victory.
This current form stands in stark contrast to highlights from Craig`s past, where he secured finishes over fighters who would go on to become light heavyweight champions, such as **Magomed Ankalaev** and **Jamahal Hill**, as well as a victory against UFC Hall of Famer **Mauricio Rua**. Despite these career-defining moments, his overall UFC record stands at a balanced but perhaps concerning 9-9-1 with one no-contest. The pressure for a win to maintain relevance within the highly competitive light heavyweight division is palpable.
Across the cage stands **Modestas Bukauskas**, a fighter who himself is under pressure, albeit from a different angle – the pressure to maintain momentum. Bukauskas is currently enjoying a successful run, riding a three-fight win streak. His return to the UFC has been notably strong, accumulating a 5-1 record in this second stint with the promotion. A two-time Cage Warriors champion before rejoining the UFC ranks, Bukauskas has proven he can handle championship-level pressure outside the big show.
For Bukauskas, this fight represents an opportunity to add a well-recognized name to his recent string of victories and solidify his position as a potential dark horse contender in the division. Another win would undoubtedly elevate his standing and make him a difficult puzzle for anyone targeting the top ranks.
The booking perfectly encapsulates a classic fighter narrative: the seasoned veteran fighting to prove he still belongs at the elite level against a surging force eager to climb the ranks using a familiar name. For Paul Craig, this fight in Paris is arguably a definitive “do-or-die” moment for his UFC career. The outcome will have significant implications for both men`s futures in the light heavyweight division.
